Every year, about 5,000 pedestrians are killed, representing
12% of roadway fatalities nationwide.
The number of pedestrian deaths had been decreasing every year since
1991, to a low of 4,739 in the year 2000.
However, in 2001 (the latest year for which complete data is
available) the number actually went up to 4,882. In response to the pedestrian
fatality rate, many states and localities are looking at non-traditional
measures and devices to improve pedestrian safety. Some of these devices have
been included in the most recent revision of the Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices (MUTCD), which is the standard for all signs, signals and
pavement markings on roads open to public travel. Some of the devices that are
not in the MUTCD are currently being considered for inclusion.
One such device that was included are in roadway warning
lights which evolved out of a design for in-roadway warning lights from that of
an airport runway. The lighting, which the MUTCD allows to be used only at
uncontrolled mid-block crosswalks and not at signalized pedestrian crossings,
is either embedded in the pavement or sits on top of the pavement immediately
before the crosswalk line or up to 10 ft in advance of the crosswalk line.
The flashing lights are supposed to improve safety by
drawing attention to the crossing pedestrian. This could be especially
effective when it is dark and drivers are less likely to see the pedestrian.
Studies in San Jose, Calif., and elsewhere have shown that
these devices increase the percentage of drivers who yield to pedestrians in
the crosswalk and also increase the distance from the crosswalk at which
drivers first apply their brakes when a pedestrian is crossing.
As specified in the MUTCD, the flashing lights are activated
only when a pedestrian is crossing and do not stay on all the time (staying on
all the time may encourage driver non-compliance, because there is no
expectation that a pedestrian is crossing when the device is always on). This
can be accomplished with an automatic infrared or microwave pedestrian
detection device, or can be activated by a button that the pedestrian pushes to
activate the flashing. If automatic detection is used, there should also be a
button for the pedestrian to push to override the system in case the automatic
detection device fails.
Pedestrian detection
Infrared and microwave detectors can also be effective in
improving pedestrian safety at signalized crossings. Instead of having to push
a button to get the "WALK" signal, the detectors can automatically
detect the presence of the pedestrian. The advantage is that if a pedestrian
leaves the area, the signal actuation can be canceled or the pedestrian time
can be shortened so vehicular traffic is not stopped unnecessarily.
Also, if the pedestrian has not yet completed their
crossing, the detector can extend the pedestrian clearance time (flashing
"DONT WALK") on a real-time basis to give enough time to finish the
crossing. Infrared detectors sometimes do not work well in climates that are
too hot (e.g., Florida and Nevada) because they work by detecting body heat.
Microwave detectors pick up movement, the disadvantage being that sometimes the
wind blowing or some other minor movement can cause them to activate.
Countdown for crossing
Another device that localities are starting to use are
countdown pedestrian signals. Countdown pedestrian signals take the
"guessing" out of pedestrian crossings and let the pedestrian know
exactly how long they have to cross an intersection by displaying a countdown
of the number of seconds the pedestrian has left to cross. This is very useful,
because many pedestrians don't understand what the flashing "DONT
WALK" signal means.
Although countdown signals have not really proven to make
pedestrian crossing safer, per se, they do provide the pedestrian with more
information, which pedestrians are much more comfortable with. Also, studies
have shown that pedestrian countdown signals result in significantly larger
percentages of "successful" crossings (i.e., pedestrians have completed
their crossing before conflicting traffic gets a green light).
Another device that is currently being considered for
inclusion in the MUTCD are in-street pedestrian warning signs. These devices,
constructed out of safe, flexible materials, are placed directly in the
pedestrian crossing area (usually on the roadway centerline). They serve as a
direct and very visible reminder to motorists that they must yield to
pedestrians in the crosswalk, a move that could improve driver compliance with
pedestrian related laws. Sometimes they contain a statement about the fine for
non-compliance, which also is useful because drivers do not like to be hit in
the pocket book.
A disadvantage is that the signs are repeatedly struck by
errant vehicles and require frequent replacement, but they are fairly
inexpensive to replace.
Understanding new technologies
As with any new traffic control device, localities and
states should carefully consider road-user understanding when they have made
the decision to use a certain type of device. Drivers and pedestrians may not
understand what it is they are supposed to do when they encounter it.
Accordingly, both drivers and pedestrians must be educated
about the use of anything non-standard.
In addition, all of these devices (except in-roadway warning
lights) are not currently approved under the MUTCD (although they are currently
being considered) and should only be used after obtaining permission to
experiment from FHWA. The January and February 2002 issues of ITE Journal
contain information on applying for experimental status.
States and localities also should focus pedestrian safety
efforts on reaching out to and trying to change the behavior of pedestrians and
drivers. Drivers are often guilty of not looking for and yielding to pedestrians.
Pedestrians sometimes step blindly off the curb in front of vehicles and also
jaywalk.
Cellphone use distracts both drivers and pedestrians from
paying adequate attention to their surroundings and to each other. Engineering
countermeasures can only go so far if you have people engaging in activities
that put lives at risk. Convincing people to change their behavior will have
the most lasting effects, however this may be the most difficult thing to do in
order to ensure pedestrian safety. TME
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